ARC: Stepbrother UnSEALed by Nicole Snow

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

This story was everything I expected of a Nicole Snow story: gritty, edgy, drama and a good girl taming the bad boy who steals her heart. I love that everyone who deserved it got their HEA and that the damage done by the psychotic one didn't last forever.
There was a lot of ups and downs. The military aspect was believable without getting overly technical and/or gory. However, the stepmom was a little too far over the line psycho. I was disappointed in the father for being sucked into her crazy sphere. I loved the crazy that her best friend brought even though I felt she took too much advantage of the heroine. That's besties for you tho.
Overall, a great read. Emotionally, I was all over the place and the ending brought a feeling of "that's been done right".

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376354699

ARC: Step Beast by Selena Kitt

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

I think this has become my favorite Selena Kitt book to date. This story was longer than most and very emotionally charged. I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns the plot took and there were so many home truths that the story really resonates.
I loved that while there was a happy ending, it wasn't all sunshine and roses. There is a lot of healing left to do for the characters and the ending of the story reflected that grief and loss aren't healed overnight. I was kind of hoping that her friend Frankie, would get her own story, if only so we can peek back into their lives and see how well things are going.
It never fails to amazing me the things we pass on to our children without meaning to and how one person's decisions can affect so many lives. It is a painful truth that sometimes a parents love can damage more deeply than neglect.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376347785

Cool for the Summer Symposium w/ Laurie Roma

First of all, thanks for having me! I'm here to talk about my favorite genre: paranormal romance. This includes (at least for me) everything from aliens to shifters to vamps to fae. It's a crazy world(s) out there to explore and there is always room for more. What I love best about paranormal is that you can mostly make your own rules. As long as the backstory is good and the mythology isn't too overly complicated or obscure, you're good to go.
Now, I love to read a variety of things so while paranormal romance is my go-to, I also love contemporary romance. Lately, there has been a well spring of step romance and I've been happy to read and read and read. I know that this isn't everyone's cup of tea and the idea of "relatives" (although they aren't legally related) freaks people out. What I love best about these stories is that the MCs find love in unconventional places. I think that love shouldn't be limited to what others out there think is right/wrong. If it feels right to you and no one else is getting hurt, follow your heart. It is your life to live, not theirs.
With that, I can be found writing reviews of many books in the genres I just talked about on my blog, Discussions With Demons.

Posted: http://laurieroma.blogspot.com/2015/08/symposium-cool-for-summer.html

ARC: Erun (The Ujal 4) by Erin Tate

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

I like that his past affects his outlook on life. It is unrealistic that events similar to his past wouldn't be a trigger for him. I love the way she stood up to her ex. I'm hoping Shon gets his own story as well as Sece/Niox.
This is the first book I have read from this series but definitely not the last. I'm glad I was able to read it as a standalone without any trouble.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376361010

ARC: The Sheikh's American Bride (The Sharqi Sheikhs 2) by Leslie North

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

I felt bad for Zoe and hope she finds someone, Daniel isn't good enough for her. Taleb is cute in his cluelessness but Claire seemed less affected by her actions than I liked. I love that her friends were supportive but sad that Zoe was shunned. You can't help who you fall in love with. People are judgmental and that's just human nature.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376365922

ARC: Southern Shifters: Impawsible (Buchanan Clan 1) by Celia Kyle

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

I love the prey/predator mate combination. I also love that her family came and supported her even if her dad is old-fashioned and crusty. Glad her mate isn't getting any trouble for the jerk. That guy got what he deserved. Overall, a quick, enjoyable read.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376361766

ARC: Hare Today, Bear Tomorrow (Mating Call Dating Agency 1) by Lynn Red

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

I love the MCs, most of the time shifters are confident, almost to the point of arrogance.It's nice to see those who are less confident, more human. Love that their friends helped out, even though they thought they were loners. They have touched many lives and have really caring friends. I can't wait to see what's next.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376368615

ARC: Hunting A Mate (Quick & Furry 6) by Mina Carter and Celia Kyle

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars

While it's hard to beat being cute and adorable, every woman wants to feel sexy, especially when they meet their mate. I love how Archer goes from not wanting a mate to tearing off after her and clocking his brother over her. I felt so bad for Chloe and Paige, their moms are crazy! I was disappointed in Paige's mom, she was just mean.
I am hoping to see more of these characters, possibly in a story where Melanie is paired with one (or both) of the other brothers.

Posted: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376357021